Imagine an NFL where passers had to release the ball at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage.
Well, as late as 1932, that was the rule. However, on February 25, 1933, the NFL moved to allow passers to throw the ball anywhere behind the line.
The modified gives offenses some added flexibility, and it allows quarterbacks the ability to improvise when needed. One memorable example came in 1989, when Green Bay’s Don Majkowski connected with Sterling Sharpe on a game-winning 14-yard TD pass vs. Chicago (see 2:45 mark). Majkowski was originally ruled to have crossed the line, but the play was overturned on review, and the Packers secured the win.
Coincidentally, today is Majkowski’s 51st birthday. The rule that helped him author perhaps his most famous play, meanwhile, turns 82, and it’s hard to fathom an NFL without it.
